7 questions for the Vikings heading into the 2019 season
By Chris Schad
Can Dalvin Cook stay healthy?
When it comes to pure talent, there are few running backs in the NFL that can compete with Dalvin Cook.
When the third-year back is on the field, the results have been tremendous, as he averaged 4.7 yards per carry and looked more explosive than ever during an 85-yard touchdown run in the Vikings’ third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals this year.
The issue with Cook has been his ability to stay on the field. After tearing his ACL in his rookie year and dealing with a hamstring injury for the majority of last season, Cook has almost earned the moniker of Mr. September.
With offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski putting more of an emphasis on the ground game, the Vikings will need a healthy Cook in the backfield this year.
He showed what kind of fit he is in Minnesota’s new offense thanks to the long touchdown run against Arizona and even though the Vikings used a 2019 third-round pick on Alexander Mattison, he doesn’t have the same explosiveness and versatility that Cook possesses.
If Cook is able to stay on the field, he could be in for a big season that also relieves some of the pressure on Minnesota’s passing attack. If he isn’t, the Vikings’ offense will have an uphill battle on their hands for the second straight year.